Camila Alves on the Power of Accessories and How She Gets Her Home Cozy for the Holidays

Holiday cheer? That’s up Camila Alves‘ alley. In fact, last year the model and handbag designer, who also happens to be the wife of actor Matthew McConaughey, celebrated Christmas at her house, and her enthusiasm for the event she hosted is still vivid at almost a year after the fact.

“I want to dress up the house. I want everyone that comes over to fill that spirit of holidays the minute they walk in the door,” says Camila.

You’re wishing you were on her invite list, right? We caught up with the stylish star at the holiday preview for Macy’s new INC collection, a brand that she’s extremely fond of, especially around the holiday season. She broke down the importance of accessories, what dressing up a bed can do, the details behind her 30th birthday present, and much more.

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OK! Magazine: We love the collection—everything is great. What’s some of your favorite things from the collection?Camila Alves: Their denim is great. They have boyfriend jeans that I absolutely love. I wear them all the time. It’s a must-have. It’s one of those stretchy materials that hugs your body in the right places.

OK! Magazine: Any other faves?
CA: The metallic sweaters—we’re starting to get into holiday, and it’s something to have.

OK!: How would you pair the metallic sweaters for a more casual holiday occasion?
CA: With the boyfriend jeans! It’s getting chilly right now, so you can wear them with boots. Do that with a simple pump. If you had a party, you can wear that same outfit and put on some sparkly earrings—a nice accessory and you’re good to go!

OK!: What are some things that you should make sure you have in your closet for holiday dressing?
CA: I think accessories are a big thing. You want to have a few outfits that you can play with. Get items that are basics that you can mix and match with stuff that you already have in your closet, and then accessories because that’s going to make the difference. You can make a whole outfit look completely different with accessories.

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OK!: Do you have a hidden beauty secret for holiday dressing or in general?CA: Everybody thinks to bring out the sparkles or, you know, dramatic looks here or there. I like to see the glow on people’s faces. It’s a happy time. I don’t want to see people looking mad.

OK!: What are some tips for home decorating?
CA: Dressing up a bed—that’s a big part of it. Last year, I had Christmas at my house in Texas. I was running around buying sheets—how can I make this feel cozy and welcoming and warm? It’s great with the INC Collection because everything is so affordable. Somebody once told me that the biggest piece of real estate in your house in terms of furniture is your bed. It’s an investment kind of thing. Dress it up, make it fun, and spice it up without spending as much.

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OK!: What’s the best holiday gift you’ve ever received?
CA: I think the best holiday gift that I got would be something that my husband did for me. He personally made it for me. I was pregnant with Vida during that holiday. I remembering crying—being emotional and pregnant. It was a very simple thing. It didn’t cost much money. It took time and work to do it, and that was very valuable to me.

OK!: That’s what matters.
CA: To me, if you’re not going to give me something that means something, don’t give me more stuff. Give me a card and write something nice with it. When I turned 30 this year, instead of asking for gifts, I put a website. I said, ‘You know what guys? I’m turning 30. I never ask for gifts. People ask me [what I want] every year. This year I am turning 30. I’m answering your question that I’ve never answered before. I am asking you to donate.’ I called it the $1 campaign for the J.K. Livin Foundation and for Haiti. The website is still up!

What do you think of Camila’s advice? Isn’t her birthday present amazing? Tweet @OKMagazine and leave a comment below.